Semal trees are reported to be the favourite roosting and resting site for large birds especially vultures, eagles and bats. As the tree is highly exploited commercially, the availability of tree has declined assisting in marginalizing the vulture population in Nepal.

In other parts of India, roots: are used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery, menorrhagia, and styptic. Flowers are astringent, good for skin and haemorrhoids. Bark is used to treat gonorrhoea and chronic disorders

Dried core of the red cotton flower is added to the noodle soup dish called nam ngiao and green kaeng khae curry which is signature dish of the Northern Thai Lana cuisine.

In Honkong, people pick the petals to make tea. The drink the flower tea to free the body from toxins4.